Movies About Philosophy

From Tony Kaye, starring Noam Chomsky, Bill Baird, Flip Benham, Dallas Blanchard
Rated Unrated

Lake of Fire is a 2006 documentary film directed by Tony Kaye, exploring the contentious US debate over abortion. The film features interviews with activists on both sides of the debate, and follows the stories of several women faced with the decision to either have an abortion or to carry an unwanted pregnancy to term. It also examines the complex legal and ethical issues surrounding abortion, and explores its history in the United States. The film culminates in the Supreme Court's landmark decision in the Roe v. Wade case. From both sides of the debate, Lake of Fire examines the issue of abortion without bias, presenting a balanced and even-handed approach to the ever-contentious issue.

From Ingmar Bergman, starring Victor Sjöström, Bibi Andersson, Ingrid Thulin, Gunnar Björnstrand
Rated Not Rated

Wild Strawberries is a classic 1957 Swedish drama film directed by Ingmar Bergman. The film is about an elderly professor, Isak Borg, who travels to Lund University to receive an honorary degree. During his journey, he reflects upon his past life, his relationships, and his dreams. Along the way, Isak meets a variety of characters that help him to reflect on his life and come to terms with his past. The film is ultimately a journey of self-discovery and reconciliation, as Isak is able to reconcile his past and gain insight into his relationships. Wild Strawberries is a deeply moving, touching, and ultimately uplifting exploration of life, love, and death, and has been widely praised as one of Bergman's greatest films.

From Ingmar Bergman, starring Max von Sydow, Gunnar Björnstrand, Bengt Ekerot, Nils Poppe
Rated Not Rated

The Seventh Seal is a 1957 Swedish drama film written and directed by Ingmar Bergman. Set during the Black Death, it follows the journey of a medieval knight and his squire as they confront the horrors of existence in a bleak, apocalyptic world. As they travel, they encounter a variety of characters, some of whom challenge them to a game of chess. Along the way, the knight and his squire discuss the futility of life and the meaning of faith, debating the existence of God and the afterlife. Ultimately, the knight must confront the personification of death and make his own decision about life and death. Through symbolism and gripping drama, the film explores the human condition, the fragility of life, and the power of faith.

From Sophie Fiennes, starring Star: Slavoj Zizek
Rated Not Rated

The Pervert's Guide to Ideology, a 2012 documentary film directed by Sophie Fiennes, explores the ideas of Slovenian philosopher and psychoanalyst Slavoj Žižek. Through a series of lectures and vignettes, Žižek unpacks our relationship to ideology, tracing it through the works of philosophers, filmmakers, and other thinkers, and offering an incisive analysis of the political and economic structures of our world. The film follows Žižek as he visits various locations, including the former Yugoslavia, the United States, and the United Kingdom, to present his ideas. Drawing from his vast knowledge of film, history, and philosophy, Žižek attempts to explain how we are shaped by our media, our culture, and our society. Ultimately, he argues that we are all affected by ideology, whether we are aware of it or not, and that understanding it is the key to a better world.

From Jason Reitman, starring Aaron Eckhart, Cameron Bright, Maria Bello, Joan Lunden
Rated R

Thank You for Smoking is a satirical comedy-drama film which follows the story of Nick Naylor (Aaron Eckhart), a tobacco lobbyist, who works for the Academy of Tobacco Studies, a tobacco industry-funded think tank. He is a master of spin and smooth-talk, as he works to promote cigarettes to counter anti-tobacco campaigns. Despite his humorous, cynical attitude, Naylor is challenged when he meets journalist Heather Holloway (Katie Holmes) who is determined to expose the truth about the industry. Through his dealings with special interest groups, lobbyists, and politicians, Naylor is forced to confront and re-define his beliefs on life and the power of persuasion.

From Astra Taylor, starring Star: Slavoj Zizek
Rated Not Rated

From Margarethe von Trotta, starring Barbara Sukowa, Axel Milberg, Janet McTeer, Julia Jentsch
Rated Not Rated

From Jill Sprecher, starring Alan Arkin, John Turturro, Matthew McConaughey, David Connolly
Rated R

From Directors: David Barison, Daniel Ross, starring Philippe Lacoue-Labarthe, Jean-Luc Nancy, Bernard Stiegler, Hans-Jürgen Syberberg
Rated Not Rated

From Astra Taylor, starring Kwame Anthony Appiah, Judith Butler, Michael Hardt, Martha Nussbaum
Rated Not Rated

From Raoul Peck, starring August Diehl, Stefan Konarske, Vicky Krieps, Olivier Gourmet
Rated Not Rated

From Directors: Kirby Dick, Amy Ziering, starring Jacques Derrida, Marguerite Derrida, René Major, Chantal Major
Rated Not Rated